A stylist’s guide to building a timeless wardrobe

Invest in knitwear

Good quality wool or cashmere knitwear is an ideal layering piece. For this reason, Barbaro recommends investing in lightweight knits in a variety of shades like the Alpine polo.

“Cashmere is not very heavy so it can be worn throughout a few seasons each year. In a jumper or cardigan, it’s a cosy wardrobe addition that feels comforting to wear.”

Experiment with the season’s new shapes and styles such as polo-style knit for women or a chunky cardigan for men such as the Jaxon cardigan.

Refresh your denim

It goes without saying that denim is a core piece of any timeless wardrobe, able to be dressed up or down. But even this staple should be refreshed occasionally.

“It’s great to have a variety of jeans for different looks,” says Barbaro. “For example, a classic blue like the Tribeca, and a black pair like the Jackson Slim, as well as something that’s inline with a current trend, like frayed jeans.”

Keep one eye on the trends

This may sound counterintuitive to a timeless wardrobe, however a small injection of trendier pieces can breathe new life into your classics. For example, Barbaro points to the slip dress, which is in keeping with fashion’s current love of 1990s style, while being versatile and universally flattering.

For men, she suggests adding a pop of the new-season colours, such as jungle green, cobalt blue or mineral yellow as seen in the Hanford Crew Neck Knit.

Choose quality pieces – and treat them well

“It’s really important to choose clothes that are well made and high quality if you’re building a wardrobe to last,” says Barbaro.

Price isn’t always the best indicator of quality. Instead, she recommends reading the care label before you buy. Consider the fabric – natural fibres like wool, linen and silk will usually maintain their vibrancy and shape for longer.

Looking after your clothes is just as important. “Try to wash items sparingly, hand wash special pieces and let them air dry. Anything that helps extend a garment’s lifespan means you can enjoy it for longer.”

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